To Neuter or To Not Neuter??

[Jennyrobson]

Hi,
In a few weeks I will be collecting a Mini Lop and I am hoping that when the genders are revealed, that I will be getting a male. If I get a male, will he need to be neutered? He will be an only rabbit. If the gender is female I will be getting her spayed but I really am hoping for a male. Any advice is welcome, thanks.

 

[Madelyn L.]

I would get him neutered. If you don’t your rabbit will she signs of aggression and dominance. He will be spray pee and poop everywhere as a way of owning their territory. His litterbox techniques will never be perfected. He also has a chance of testeronial (I think that’s what it’s called) cancer. I would definitely get him neutered because it increases their lifespan as well.

 

[Jennyrobson]

How much does a neuter cost, usually? I am based in the UK.

 

[Madelyn L.]

In the us it costs 195 for me, which is the same as 166 euros.

 

[KingBunny]

I never neuter mine. They never show signs of agression. Suppose it depends on the individual.

 

[KingBunny]

How much does a neuter cost, usually? I am based in the UK.

Most places charge £80

 

[Jennyrobson]

I never neuter mine. They never show signs of agression. Suppose it depends on the individual.

Would it be a requirement? I’m really hoping I get a boy and I don’t think I want to neuter to be honest. Do they have a tendency to spray? I have had rabbits as a child and I don’t ever recall them spraying or being aggressive. I’ve had about 3 male rabbits.

 

[KingBunny]

Would it be a requirement? I’m really hoping I get a boy and I don’t think I want to neuter to be honest. Do they have a tendency to spray? I have had rabbits as a child and I don’t ever recall them spraying or being aggressive. I’ve had about 3 male rabbits.

Why don't you try him for 6 months or so and then decide. Its an expensive thing to have done.
I will never be neutering my ones.
It's up to you really.
It's not a requirement at all

 

[Jennyrobson]

Why don't you try him for 6 months or so and then decide. Its an expensive thing to have done.
I will never be neutering my ones.
It's up to you really.
It's not a requirement at all

Have you ever had an unspayed female get cancer? I’ve been told gender is hard to be sure of and I’ll be collecting the rabbit at 8 weeks and I don’t want to think it’s a male but then be told it’s a female and have to worry about it getting cancer.

 

[KingBunny]

Have you ever had an unspayed female get cancer? I’ve been told gender is hard to be sure of and I’ll be collecting the rabbit at 8 weeks and I don’t want to think it’s a male but then be told it’s a female and have to worry about it getting cancer.

I've never had one get cancer.
Uterine tumours are most common but I don't think there's a huge risk to be honest.
Others would probably know more.
I don't want to dish out false information.

 

[Blue eyes]

If this is your first rabbit, I'd strongly suggest you reconsider getting such a young rabbit. It is best to find a rabbit that is already past hormones (and possibly already fixed) from a rabbit rescue. The following page on my website explains in more detail the many reasons it is better to go with "not a baby". There are numerous disadvantages with getting a baby and many advantages with getting a rabbit from a rabbit rescue.
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/choosing-your-first-bunny.html
That said, not all male rabbits need to be neutered-- if they will remain single, indoor rabbits. But it will depend on the individual. That hormonal behavior (aggression, spraying urine, grumpiness, poor litter box habits, very smelly urine) is more pronounced in some intact rabbits. But with some intact male rabbits, the changes are barely noticeable.

 

[Jennyrobson]

If this is your first rabbit, I'd strongly suggest you reconsider getting such a young rabbit. It is best to find a rabbit that is already past hormones (and possibly already fixed) from a rabbit rescue. The following page on my website explains in more detail the many reasons it is better to go with "not a baby". There are numerous disadvantages with getting a baby and many advantages with getting a rabbit from a rabbit rescue.
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/choosing-your-first-bunny.html
That said, not all male rabbits need to be neutered-- if they will remain single, indoor rabbits. But it will depend on the individual. That hormonal behavior (aggression, spraying urine, grumpiness, poor litter box habits, very smelly urine) is more pronounced in some intact rabbits. But with some intact male rabbits, the changes are barely noticeable.

I had rabbits in the past as a child and raised them up from babies, but they were outdoor ones and passed away. I’ve heard that mini lops are better as indoor rabbits and I want an indoor rabbit now, I wouldn’t have two as I would prefer to just bond with one. The lady I am getting them from said she will be 100% sure of the genders by the time they’re 6 weeks and that I don’t need to pick one until then. Is this true? Can she really be 100% positive? I wouldn’t want to bring home a “boy” but then find out she’s a girl and have to stress over the chances of her getting cancer... boy or girl, the rabbit will be an only rabbit but I would definitely prefer a boy because I had boys when I was younger and absolutely loved them.

 

[KingBunny]

I had rabbits in the past as a child and raised them up from babies, but they were outdoor ones and passed away. I’ve heard that mini lops are better as indoor rabbits and I want an indoor rabbit now, I wouldn’t have two as I would prefer to just bond with one. The lady I am getting them from said she will be 100% sure of the genders by the time they’re 6 weeks and that I don’t need to pick one until then. Is this true? Can she really be 100% positive? I wouldn’t want to bring home a “boy” but then find out she’s a girl and have to stress over the chances of her getting cancer... boy or girl, the rabbit will be an only rabbit but I would definitely prefer a boy because I had boys when I was younger and absolutely loved them.

Yes, by 6 weeks you can be pretty much sure of the sexes.
Also, they very rarely get cancer. You don't see dead wild rabbits lying around the place which have died from cancer.
You should be fine. Mini lops are good Indoors.

 

[Diane R]

Please don't encourage breeding. So much easier, cheaper, less stressful and the ethical thing to do to adopt a bonded pair from a rescue centre. Although you had rabbits before, you might find this page and the rest of the site helpful. Lots of up-to-date advice on diet, health, housing, etc. New to Rabbits

 

[Jennyrobson]

Please don't encourage breeding. So much easier, cheaper, less stressful and the ethical thing to do to adopt a bonded pair from a rescue centre. Although you had rabbits before, you might find this page and the rest of the site helpful. Lots of up-to-date advice on diet, health, housing, etc. New to Rabbits

The mother rabbit was taken in pregnant. She had been dumped. I know this because the person with the rabbits is my friend. She had contacted a rescue, explained the situation and had taken her to the vet. Vet said she was fine but then said she was pregnant, my friend took her in regardless. She has since had 5 babies and is doing great. I’ve had all of my rabbits from babies from genuine, reputable people. My friend didn’t breed this rabbit, someone else did, and then dumped her, or didn’t care to neuter her and left her with an intact male and dumped her upon realisation that she was pregnant. When she is ready and has recovered fully from being a mother, she will be neutered. Thanks for the information though

 

[Jennyrobson]

Yes, by 6 weeks you can be pretty much sure of the sexes.
Also, they very rarely get cancer. You don't see dead wild rabbits lying around the place which have died from cancer.
You should be fine. Mini lops are good Indoors.

I’m going to be contacting some vets to ask about the cost of neutering/spaying. I won’t neuter a male unless he becomes aggressive or sprays a lot. I’m such a worrier so if the bunny is a girl I’ll definitely get her spayed. How can you be 100% sure at 6 weeks? Are there any massive differences in gender?

 

[Happy Hollands]

How can you be 100% sure at 6 weeks?

No breeder should ever "guarantee" gender, as up until 8 weeks of age, the babies are very young (and small) and mistakes can be easily made. Personally, I am extremely experienced determining gender, and have only made 1 known mistake over the years. However, I never guarantee gender unless the rabbit is over 3 months old or I have some sort of proof / telltale sign. She is using very confident language saying she will 100% guarantee gender. It does not sound like your friend is experienced sexing rabbits, so I wouldn't exactly trust her judgment. 6 weeks is still very young for anyone unexperienced to be deciphering genders. I can tell genders 90% effectively at 4 days old. For me, it bumps up to 99% effectiveness at 4 weeks. But please don't forget that I have been breeding for years. Both "pop out" like a male, The only real difference is shape and length (which totally looks the same unless experienced).

 

[Jennyrobson]

No breeder should ever "guarantee" gender, as up until 8 weeks of age, the babies are very young (and small) and mistakes can be easily made. Personally, I am extremely experienced determining gender, and have only made 1 known mistake over the years. However, I never guarantee gender unless the rabbit is over 3 months old or I have some sort of proof / telltale sign. She is using very confident language saying she will 100% guarantee gender. It does not sound like your friend is experienced sexing rabbits, so I wouldn't exactly trust her judgment. 6 weeks is still very young for anyone unexperienced to be deciphering genders. I can tell genders 90% effectively at 4 days old. For me, it bumps up to 99% effectiveness at 4 weeks. But please don't forget that I have been breeding for years. Both "pop out" like a male, The only real difference is shape and length (which totally looks the same unless experienced).

Though I would prefer a male, it isn’t an issue as I will be checking myself when I view the rabbit. I did some research and saw that the male’s genitals has more of a tube like appearance with a hole at the top and the female has more of a slit. Is that correct? Hopefully that is accurate. Even if the rabbit is a girl, she will get spayed and will be loved just as much as if she were a boy.

 

[Jennyrobson]

Also, what does everyone feed their rabbits? As said above, I’m getting a mini lop and would love to know the best hay, pellets and greens to feed them. Thanks.

 

[Madelyn L.]

I buy my hay from small pet select and I buy my bun baby spring mix. I recommend oxbow pellets